Whether blended or frozen, the margarita is one of the most popular cocktails on the menu at many restaurants, and it also happens to be the perfect beverage to complement this issue’s main dish.

Grilled chicken is a fresh entrée that only seems to taste better in the warm summer months. The same can be said for the seasonal varieties of margaritas, such as the fresh watermelon option at On the Border in West Des Moines or the blueberry pineapple flavor — complete with floating blueberries and slices of pineapple — at Chili’s.

Cabo Sol offers more than 15 different flavors of margaritas. Also find these tasty cocktails at Quintons, Granite City, Jethro’s and Cabo Sol.

These tequila-based cocktails come in many sizes and tastes, and the bartenders at West Des Moines’ Cabo Sol know that firsthand. Even though the Mexican restaurant has only been serving customers for about two years, the staff knows how to make margaritas just right for each and every one — and that starts with a multitude of flavors.

“Everywhere you go it’s lime margaritas. Here we want to have different stuff,” said Jose Robles, the head bartender at Cabo Sol.

On Wednesdays, the 16-ounce margaritas are $2.99 all day, and Robles estimates they serve about 1,500 margaritas on those days.

Customers come in specifically to get their hands on one of the many flavors Cabo Sol has, but it would take several trips to try each one. Robles says they have at least 15 varieties, going far beyond the classic lime with options such as peach, “coco loco,” raspberry, kiwi, sangria swirl, blueberry and even banana. The colors are as vibrant as the drinks are refreshing.

Although he wouldn’t divulge his secret recipe for what makes the margaritas there so delicious, he simply says they’re better than any other restaurant’s “because I make them.”

Cabo Sol’s margaritas are made with fruit syrups, like many bars and restaurants, but fresh fruit margaritas are a specialty at some restaurants. On the Border puts its seasonal fresh watermelon margarita — a crowd favorite — on the menu every summer. Made with fresh watermelon puree, house-made sweet and sour mix and Juarez tequila, they are the perfect complement to a summer afternoon on the patio. And if you happen to be enjoying a grilled chicken entrée afterwards, it’s all the better. RELISH